Tech City chair Joanna Shields becomes PM's new digital advisor

Details of Joanna Shields’ role as the Prime Minister’s advisor on the digital economy were fleshed out today, after the Tech City UK chair was appointed to the position last month during the London Technology Week.

By
Sam Shead
| Jul 29, 2014

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Details of Joanna Shields’ role as the Prime Minister’s advisor on the digital economy were fleshed out today, after the Tech City UK chair was appointed to the position last month during the London Technology Week.

In her role, Shields will provide Cameron with advice on policy matters concerning the digital industry, with a particular emphasis on digital entrepreneurship.

The Digital Taskforce, which Shields will “support”, has been set up in a bid to “make the UK the most capable and competitive digital nation in the world”.

It is headed up by Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude, who already has responsibility for the government’s digital-by-default programme. The Taskforce also includes the newly appointed digital economy minister, Ed Vaizey.

Cameron is said to have appointed Shields to the role to ensure the Taskforce “has expertise from the digital sector.”

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Commenting on her new role, Shields said: "The UK’s digital economy is predicted to expand at a rate of 11 percent a year until 2016, and is currently growing faster than the other G20 countries."

“We must continue our leadership position and create the building blocks to ensure Britain becomes the most capable and competitive nation in the digital economy. I'm delighted to serve in this role as the Prime Minister's Adviser on the Digital Economy to further these goals."